New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2893

Introduced
3/4/24  

Caption

"Disaster Victims Protection Act"; requires Governor to allocate federal and State disaster aid to municipalities in proportion to amount of catastrophic physical damage sustained within each municipality.

Impact

The legislation directly addresses the challenges and inequities in the distribution of disaster relief funds experienced after Hurricane Sandy, where some municipalities received substantially more funding than those that were more severely impacted. By adjusting the allocation methodology, S2893 seeks to rectify past discrepancies and prioritize assistance to those areas that suffered the most damage. This move is intended to enhance the recovery efforts for both residents and local businesses within the most affected municipalities, fostering a more equitable recovery process post-disaster.

Summary

Senate Bill S2893, known as the 'Disaster Victims Protection Act', requires the Governor of New Jersey to allocate federal and state disaster relief aid to municipalities based on the proportion of catastrophic physical damage sustained within each municipality. This systematic distribution of aid is aimed at ensuring that those hardest hit by disasters, particularly following events like Hurricane Sandy, receive adequate support commensurate with the extent of their losses. The bill establishes criteria for prioritizing the allocation of recovery funds, emphasizing fairness and equity among affected communities.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to create a fairer system for disaster aid allocation, some may argue about the implications of prioritizing certain municipalities over others, potentially leading to debates on local government priorities and what constitutes adequate disaster recovery support. Critics of previous funding allocations expressed concerns that the method used favored less damaged communities due to county designations rather than actual damage, and this bill aims to address those issues but could still face scrutiny regarding its execution and impact on local governance.

Notable_points

S2893 is a response to the historical context of disaster recovery in New Jersey, particularly highlighting the lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy. Its introduction signifies a crucial reevaluation of how disaster funds are distributed and reflects an ongoing commitment to ensuring that state resources are directed where they are needed most. The act not only aims to expedite the recovery process but also serves as a model for future disaster response initiatives.

Companion Bills

NJ A4078

Same As "Disaster Victims Protection Act"; requires Governor to allocate federal and State disaster aid to municipalities in proportion to amount of catastrophic physical damage sustained within each municipality.

NJ S1529

Carry Over "Disaster Victims Protection Act"; requires Governor to allocate federal and State disaster aid to municipalities in proportion to amount of catastrophic physical damage sustained within each municipality.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1529

"Disaster Victims Protection Act"; requires Governor to allocate federal and State disaster aid to municipalities in proportion to amount of catastrophic physical damage sustained within each municipality.

NJ A4078

"Disaster Victims Protection Act"; requires Governor to allocate federal and State disaster aid to municipalities in proportion to amount of catastrophic physical damage sustained within each municipality.

NJ HB1466

Relative to providing disaster relief funding to municipalities after a natural disaster.

NJ SCR35

Directs the allocation of federal funds received due to Hurricane Isaac to parishes based on the amount of damage sustained within the parish. (EN SEE FISC NOTE FF EX See Note)

NJ SB402

Relative to financial assistance for municipalities affected by disasters.

NJ HB165

Relative to the maximum amount of disaster relief funding provided to municipalities after a natural disaster.

NJ SB222

Climate disasters: civil actions.

NJ SR41

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Enact A National Reinsurance Program To Address The Multi-state Insurance Crisis Resulting From Catastrophic Natural Disasters.

NJ H47

Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part I

NJ SCR57

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Enact A National Reinsurance Program To Address The Multi-state Insurance Crisis Resulting From Catastrophic Natural Disasters.

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